|
Signing for Dummies | 
 enlarge | Authors: Adan R., Ii Penilla, Angela Lee Taylor
Publisher: For Dummies
Category: Book
List Price: $21.99
Buy New: $2.73
You Save: $19.26 (88%)
New (46) Used (22) from $2.73
Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 29623
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 384
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 9 x 7.3 x 0.9
ISBN: 0764554360
Dewey Decimal Number: 419.7
UPC: 785555107946
EAN: 9780764554360
ASIN: 0764554360
Publication Date: June 20, 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
American Sign Language (ASL) is something we've all seen Deaf people use in restaurants, hospitals, airports, and throughout the marketplace. The communication is fascinating to watch; to see people sharing ideas by using handshapes and body language is remarkable in a world so defined by sound. Signing For Dummies gives you a general understanding of the properties of Sign, as well as an understanding of Deaf culture. Designed to act as an introduction or a refresher, the book focuses solely on ASL. Although certainly not the only form of Sign Language, ASL is the most popular in the Deaf community within the United States. Categorized by subject, this illustrated guide covers grammar and sentence structure, along with the tools to get you going in basic conversation by knowing how to Introduce and greet people Ask questions and make small talk Order food and chat with salespeople Handle medical emergencies Talk on the phone Get around town for fun or business Although "speaking" American Sign Language (ASL) is mostly a matter of using your fingers, hands, and arms, facial expression and body language are important and sometimes crucial for understanding Signs and their meaning. Signing For Dummies gets the whole body into the action as the fun-to-read resource explores Signs that look like what they mean Expression of emotions and feelings Signing sports and weather Compass points conversations: Getting or giving directions Descriptions of where it hurts Deaf community customs, norms, and culture Each chapter throughout the book invites you to practice specific Signs in a "Fun & Games" section. Translation guides complement the video CD-ROM, which features demonstrations by ASL Signers and actual conversations in progress–all designed to have you moving your hands, body, and face to convey meaning that reaches way beyond linguistic barriers.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
Fair to middling March 14, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I don't particularly reccommend this for a complete neophyte to signing, as I was when I got this book. As other reviewers have suggested, a thorough video, or book-video combination might be best. There is a CD that comes with the book, however, it is too simple and has minimalist videos, making it by and large useless for a beginner.
The saving grace of Signing for Dummies is clear and simple sign diagramming, imbuing the book with at least one redeeming quality.
 Would recommend learning from a video first July 15, 2004
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I nearly didn't buy the book, based on the poor reviews it got. Luckily, I spotted it in the bookstore and flipped through. It's actually quite good. I wouldn't pick it as your first book on sign language though, as some things tend to get a bit confusing if you don't already know some sign.For example, I noticed one of the illustrations was of one version of a sign, and the description was another. Both were valid signs that meant the same thing, but it would have been better to have just one. I also loved the CD in the back of the book. It is a wonderful idea for a book to show the language in motion.
Ok... but not great. May 2, 2004
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I have been teaching myself sign over the last couple of years. I found certain area's of this book helpful. Such as the "Cheat Sheet" that comes with it that has the alphabet and numbers on it. On the back are some begginer sayings such as "please" and "thank you". I have found many other books much more useful (as I already well know the alphabet ;) ). I does have some interesting/helpful hints and games to play that do allow you to practice. And also a quiz at the end of each chapter. Pick up the "ASL Dictionary" before you open this book and you'll be better off. In my opinion. I give this book a 3 but I was close to giving it a 2. :D
 Signing for dummies April 6, 2004
2 out of 7 found this review helpful
Angela Taylor is my american sign language teacher. If she can teach me... she can teach anyone. She is a remarkable woman and an outstanding teacher. Her zest and enthusiasm is surpassed only by her love for "communication". I will enjoy and benefit from this publication for years to come. Thanx,Robin
 Where's my review? January 29, 2004
2 out of 18 found this review helpful
I submitted a review a couple weeks ago. Worked on it hard. Gave many examples. It conforms to your "review guidelines" Where is it?
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| |
